Tunde Kelani dedicates documentary episode to late actor Kola Oyewo

The filmmaker said the episode will feature an archival interview with the late actor and highlight his contributions to Nigerian theatre and cinema.

Filmmaker Tunde Kelani has announced that an upcoming episode of his documentary series will be dedicated to late actor, scholar and cultural figure Gabriel Kola Oyewo.

Mr Kelani made the announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday, where he paid tribute to the actor’s contributions to Nigerian theatre and cinema.

He said the episode will feature an archival interview with Mr Oyewo, allowing audiences to reflect on his life, career and influence on the creative industry.

“Sometimes before we continue telling stories, we must first honour the people who made those stories possible,” Mr Kelani wrote in the post.

He described Mr Oyewo as an actor, scholar and teacher whose career was dedicated to the arts.

A long creative partnership

The documentary episode will be part of Mainframe Productions’ Film Heritage Digital (FMD) series.

Mr Kelani said he had the opportunity to work with Mr Oyewo on several productions, including Koseegbe, O Le Ku and Saworoide.

The filmmaker praised the late actor’s performances and his contribution to preserving Nigerian cultural narratives through film.

Archival interview

According to Mr Kelani, the episode will include an interview recorded three years ago during the production of the documentary series Heroes of the Yoruba Travelling Theatre.

He said the interview provides an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from Mr Oyewo about his experiences and artistic journey.

Oyewo’s contribution to theatre and film

Mr Oyewo was known for his work in Nigerian theatre and film, particularly in Yoruba-language productions.

He was also an academic who contributed to theatre education in Nigeria, combining performance with teaching and research.
His career included stage performances, university theatre and appearances in films that contributed to the development of Nigerian cinema.

Mr Oyewo died on 12 June 2026, at the age of 80.

Through the documentary episode, Mr Kelani said he hopes to preserve the memory of an artist whose work shaped generations of Nigerian performers and audiences.